Emergency Communications Centre Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

CHARACTER

Each candidate shall be of good character.

HEALTH

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

CITIZENSHIP

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE ETC.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) hold a recognised degree (at least level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in a subject relevant to biodiversity including but not limited to environmental science, ecology, earth/natural sciences, zoology, botany or natural resources management;

(b) after attaining the qualification referred to at (a) above, have at least five years relevant satisfactory experience of scientific work in biodiversity, sustainable development goals, biodiversity, energy and climate action;

(c) possess a high standard of technical training relevant to the areas of natural sciences and natural resources management; and

(d) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation or the ability to acquire such knowledge.

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where credit is claimed for particular qualification, experience, etc.

DRIVING LICENCE

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, hold a full, unendorsed driving licence for Category B vehicles and have access to their own car.

DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of habitat survey and mapping, data management and analysis methods using a variety of software including Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Be able to work within a multi-disciplinary team and also be capable of working on their own initiative.

• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills and have the ability to engage with stakeholders.

• Possess good organisation and I.T. skills.

• Have a knowledge of health and safety legislation and safety regulations.

• Have an ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

• Have a track record of delivering results.

• Hold a current SOLAS Safepass qualification.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Candidates are expected to demonstrate in their application form and at interview that they have the knowledge, understanding, skills and experience required for the role. Candidates will also be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competency under each of these headings:

MANAGEMENT AND CHANGE

Strategic Ability

• Displays the ability to think and act strategically.

• Can translate assigned tasks into clear specific and achievable objectives.

• Evaluates capacity and performance against objectives.

• Demonstrates innovation and creativity to secure successful outcomes.

Networking and Representing

• Develops and maintains positive and mutually beneficial relationships with a range of stakeholders.

• Builds networks of technical and professional contacts.

• Promotes and sustains an appropriate, positive, and cohesive image for the organisation it represents.

Political Reality

• Has a clear understanding of the political reality and context of the organisation.

Bringing about Change

• Effectively manages the introduction of change and overcomes resistance to change.

DELIVERING RESULTS

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Can pinpoint critical information and address issues logically.

• Understands the context and impact of decisions made.

• Can act decisively in an environment of multiple stakeholders and complex information to ensure decisions are made in line with objectives.

Operational Planning

• Plans assigned project elements to determine rationale, objectives and deliverables, resource requirements, timelines and milestones, reporting requirements, and evaluation methods. Establishes high quality service and customer care standards.

Managing Resources

• Manages the allocation, use and evaluation of resources to ensure they are used efficiently to deliver on operational plans.

• Drives and promotes reduction in cost and minimisation of waste.

Delivering Quality Outcomes

• Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in delivering services.

• Organises the delivery of services to meet or exceed the required standard.

• Evaluates the outcomes achieved against operational plans, identifies learning and implements improvements required.

PERFORMANCE THROUGH PEOPLE

Leading and Motivating

• Motivates others individually and in teams to deliver high quality work and customer focused outcomes.

• Leads by example in terms of commitment, flexibility and a strong customer service ethos.

Managing Performance

• Effectively manages performance and conflict.

• Empowers people to achieve or exceed organisational goals by delegating sufficient authority, responsibility and accountability.

Communicating Effectively

• Communicates effectively and professionally with range of stakeholders including staff, Elected Members and the public.

• Is effective in communicating a complex or technical message, using language appropriate to the audience.

• Has highly effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Presents ideas effectively to individuals and groups.

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

• Is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.

• Remains calm under pressure and has the ability to manage the delivery of several tasks/projects concurrently.

• Manages their time effectively, focusing on essential tasks and responsibilities.

• Works to keep knowledge and skills up to date and engages in regular critical reflection in order to identify how own performance can be improved.

Relevant Knowledge

• Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility.

• Demonstrates the required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role.

• Has knowledge and understanding in relation to statutory obligations of Health and Safety legislation and their application in the workplace.

Resilience and Personal Well Being

• Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence.

• Operates effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.

Integrity

• Behaves in an honest, trustworthy and respectful manner and is transparent, fair and consistent in dealing with others.

PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYMENT

THE POST

The post is Biodiversity Officer. This is a pensionable whole-time position on the basis of a 35 hour, 5 day week. The role involves flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal working hours.

DUTIES

The duties of the employment are to give to:

(a) Sligo County Council under the control of the Chief Executive or his nominee and

(b) To any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority.

Under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive, or of such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of a technical, management, administrative, executive, supervisory, advisory and ancillary nature as may be required by any local authority or body hereinbefore mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties, and to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The holder of the employment will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level, if qualified to do so.

Main Responsibilities

The principal duties of the post may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage and implement Sligo County Council’s Biodiversity Plan 2025–2030, in parallel with the County Sligo Heritage Plan and with cross referencing to the County Sligo Climate Adaptation Strategy.

• Lead the County Sligo Biodiversity Forum/Working Group within the wider context of Sligo Heritage Forum.

• Facilitate the implementation of Government initiatives in relation to biodiversity and national plans and programmes that are developed to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan, such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

• Advise Sligo County Council on biodiversity related issues and the Authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity.

• Work with Sligo County Council staff to assist in advancing the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services within County Sligo.

• Assist Sligo County Council departments in integrating biodiversity into their actions and policies, for example through training and supporting information dissemination.

• Promote new biodiversity initiatives based on best conservation practice.

• Work with Sligo County Council led projects and provide advice to colleagues on the management of ecological resources such as urban woodlands, wetlands, parks, verges, wild flora grasslands and open areas in a biodiversity-friendly manner.

• Raise awareness of biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystems services and issues affecting biodiversity in County Sligo (including climate change) with a broad range of groups.

• Commission biodiversity related research, audits and surveys and provide data obtained to the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in a suitable format for reporting purposes.

• Apply for and deliver biodiversity projects under Heritage Council funding and National Biodiversity Action Plan and other available sources of funding.

• Work closely with the County Heritage Officer on a programme of public engagement for biodiversity through Field Clubs, Environmental Groups/NGOs, National Heritage Week, National Biodiversity Week, Summer Schools and other public events.

• Be an active participant/member in the County Heritage Forum, Creative Ireland Team and Sligo County Council’s Climate Action Team.

• To facilitate and co-ordinate the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan taking consideration of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility appropriate to the post, as may be required or assigned, from time to time.

• To take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer as may be assigned by the Council.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of Biodiversity Officer and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Sligo County Council.

SALARY

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their post or in respect of any services, which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

The current salary scale for the post is (effective 1st February 2026):

€60,255 – €62,447 – €64,640 – €66,837 – €69,032 – €71,226 – €73,423 – €75,606 – €77,813 – €80,001 – LSI 1 €82,523 – LSI 2 €83,758.

Salary for the post shall be in accordance with existing practice as set out in relevant circulars. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale.

SUPERANNUATION

a) Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5 percent of their pensionable remuneration, plus 3.5 percent of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

b) Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5 percent of their pensionable remuneration.

c) All persons under (a) and (b) above who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5 percent of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

d) Persons who are pensionable under the Single Public Sector Pension Scheme, effective from 1 January 2013, contributions in respect of Superannuation shall be deducted at a rate of 3 percent of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5 percent of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

PROBATION

There shall be period after such employment takes effect during which the person appointed will hold the post on probation. Such period shall be six months commencing on the first day of service but the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period. Such person shall cease to hold the post at the end of the period of probation or extended period of probation unless, during such period or extended period, the service of such person is certified as satisfactory.

RETIREMENT AGE

For appointees who are deemed to be “new entrants” as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, there is no compulsory retirement age.

For appointees entering the Single Public Service Scheme, compulsory retirement age will be 70.

For appointees covered under the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Bill 2018, compulsory retirement age will be 70.

RESIDENCE

Holders of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

METHOD OF SELECTION

Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by, or on behalf of, Sligo County Council. Interviews will be conducted in person. The Council will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by candidates in attending for interview. A panel will be formed of those who are most successful in the competition. The life of the panel shall be one year from the date it is formed, unless extended by the Chief Executive.

Shortlisting may apply based on application forms and/or preliminary interview and may include education, relevant work experience, competencies displayed, and attention to detail.

GARDA VETTING AND REFERENCES

The successful candidate may be subject to Garda Vetting procedures. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

The successful candidate must undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the local authority.

PERIOD OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER

Candidates must take up appointment within one month or within such longer period as the local authority may determine.

NORMAL WORKING HOURS

Normal working hours are 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, with a minimum of 30 minutes lunch break. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Annual leave is 30 days per annum in accordance with legislation.

SICK LEAVE

Sick leave applies in accordance with Sligo County Council policy and relevant Public Service Regulations.